SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chaired a comprehensive review meeting of the Information Department today at the Civil Secretariat, focusing on enhancing the department’s efficiency and outreach.
The meeting evaluated the department’s performance and deliberated on areas requiring improvement. It was attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Additional Chief Secretary to the CM Dheeraj Gupta, Secretary Information Rehana Batul, Director Information Jatin Kishore, senior administrative officers, and all Joint Directors, Deputy Directors, and other relevant officials.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister reviewed the functioning of the single-window portal for granting film shooting permissions. Emphasising the need for a streamlined process, he directed officials to expedite approvals to avoid unnecessary delays for filmmakers.
A detailed discussion was also held on the advertisement policy for newspapers and media houses. The Chief Minister stressed the importance of ensuring fairness and transparency in issuing advertisements based on circulation. He urged the department to examine the Bureau of Outreach and Communication (formerly DAVP) criteria for advertisement rates and circulation assessments to develop a robust mechanism.
Recognising the growing significance of social media, the Chief Minister called for enhanced visibility of the Government of Jammu and Kashmir on digital platforms through targeted advertisements and campaigns.
Reviewing the accreditation process for journalists, the Chief Minister instructed officials to revisit rejected applications. He emphasised the need to communicate discrepancies to applicants, allowing them to rectify errors and secure accreditation.
Addressing the pressing issue of staff shortages, the Chief Minister directed the department to expedite recruitment for vacant positions, highlighting that adequate manpower is vital for the department’s efficiency.
He also underscored the importance of procuring modern equipment and gadgets to improve the coverage of official events. Additionally, he highlighted the department’s pivotal role in shaping public perception and effectively communicating government initiatives, urging officials to address challenges with urgency and dedication.
Earlier, Secretary Information Rehana Batul delivered a detailed presentation on the department’s operations, covering aspects such as human resource management, staff responsibilities, advertisement expenditure, empanelled newspapers, and the journalist accreditation process.
The presentation also highlighted key initiatives, including Beats of J&K, Inspire Gen-Z, and the Youth Conclave. The department’s successful hosting of the J&K Film Conclave-2024, implementation of the J&K Film Policy-2024, and media campaigns for the G20 Summit in Kashmir were particularly noted.
Discussions were also held on the department’s budget and expenditures under the REVEX and CAPEX heads, along with proposed allocations for the financial year 2024-25. (ANB)
